Your Hot Summer Mortgage Market

On the hunt for a new home or mortgage rate this summer? Chances are, even if you’re an old salt at buying and selling, you’re a tad overwhelmed. After all, a recent home buying poll found two thirds of Canadian buyers found the overall experience to be stressful.

If fretting over your down payment or debt ratios is keeping you up at night, read on to get a handle on home ownership this summer.

Stop Mortgage Stress: 3 Tips

It doesn’t matter how much you research and plan – getting a mortgage is still a hugely stressful process, according to a new poll by ING. Respondents said that the home financing process was “confusing”, “complicated” and “hard to figure out” – to say nothing of expensive!

While the largest purchase of your lifetime is unlikely to be a zen process, there are ways to tone down the turmoil. Check out our tips for beating big mortgage stress.

Condo or House: What’s the Better Buy?

With single detached family homes becoming an endangered species in urban markets, condos provide buyers with an affordable way to break into the housing market. However, if your motives surround making an investment rather than a home, they don’t always provide a great return.

Check out our guide to the pros and cons of condo ownership, and whether buying one is the right choice for you.

Land Transfer Tax in Toronto: Fair to Home Buyers?

The Land Transfer Tax in Toronto was implemented in 2008, and can substantially add to a home buyer’s closing costs. While the tax reaps great income for the City of Toronto, is it fair for buyers to shell out extra in order to live within city limits?

Another Fixed Rate Mortgage Increase From TD

Canadians Confident About Investments and Economy

It appears the cloud of recession pessimism may be lifting from Canadian investors. A recent TD poll found that respondents feel generally good about their investment portfolios, and about the Canadian economy as a whole.

Financial Advisors For Seniors

Financial advisors for seniors should address the unique needs of those preparing for retirement. Here’s how to choose the right one, and spot whether an investment strategy may not be in your best interest.

CREA Adjusts Forecast Due To Strong Spring Sales

Fears of a sliding market have persisted since last summer’s CMHC rule implementation, but home sales keep defying doom and gloom predictions. Stronger than expected May sales have prompted CREA to adjust their market activity forecast for 2013 and 2014.